Hooters ex-manager faces charges

Man accused of videotaping waitress applicants

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WEST COVINA, Calif. — Prosecutors filed a criminal complaint Tuesday against a former Hooters restaurant manager who allegedly secretly videotaped 14 waitress applicants — including four who were under 18 — as they changed into uniforms.

Juan Martin Aponte, 32, faces up to 19 years in prison if convicted of felony and misdemeanor charges contained in the 57-count complaint. Arrested Friday, he remains held on $500,000 bail.

Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Gary Hearnsberger said felony charges include using a minor for a sex act and eavesdropping. Four applicants were under 18, and the digital recording contained audio, he said.

The prosecutor said about 180 digital recordings were seized.

An arraignment was scheduled later Tuesday. Defense attorney Brian Michaels has said Aponte would plead innocent.

The taping allegedly occurred between November and February in a trailer outside a West Covina restaurant being renovated as a new Hooters — a chain best known for its scantily clad waitresses. Hearnsberger noted it is not the policy of Hooters to ask applicants to try on the uniforms.

The investigation prompted five women to sue Atlanta-based Hooters of America on grounds the company was negligent in supervising the restaurant manager.

The company has said it is cooperating with police and has characterized the allegations as “one person acting outside the scope of company policy.”